What's All The Noise about White Noise!
Claire
What is White Noise?
White noise is a consistent static sound used to mask the background noise in the environment/room.White noise creates a calm, soothing atmosphere for baby to have good quality naps and sleep in. It is similar to what a newborn has listening to in the uterus- the constant whooshing noise of the amniotic fluid.
The FactsIn 1990, a study showed the effects of white noise on young infants. The results stated that 80% of infants fell asleep in their cot within five minutes using the white noise, as opposed to only 25% of infants not using it.
Positive Sleep AssociationAny object or crutch used to help baby go to sleep is known as an association. In order for baby to learn to connect sleep cycles, they need the EXACT same associations in place to support them when they fall asleep, as to when they wake up during naps and night time sleep.White Noise is an independent association- meaning parents are not relied on to stick around when this is being used.If baby has older siblings in the home, white noise can help drown out the background noise and further aid sleep to last longer.
Consistency is Key
If you decide to use White Noise, it is so important to invest in a machine that will play continuous sounds through the baby’s sleep/naps. When a toy/mobile/machine is on a set timer and turns itself off after 20 minutes, baby will then wake, looking for the same association that put them to sleep in the beginning. This, in turn, can cause on/off waking through the entire night.
When to Introduce White Noise, and for How Long?
Any time from birth! Using it from the start helps create a familiar and consistent atmosphere that baby will link to sleep. How long to use it for? Honestly, it depends on each family, baby and circumstance.In an ideal timeframe, it would be used until baby has connected their sleep cycles and have been in a good pattern of sleep. This could be 4 months, it may be 6 months.
How to Stop using White Noise
Weaning off can be as simple as just turning off the machine. Though if you think baby may need a more gentle approach:
Dangers in using White Noise
Having machine too loud can lead to hearing issues- keep at the equivalent of a dishwasher sound.
Differing Opinions
Each Sleep Consultant and Baby Expert has their own views about if White Noise is more of a hindrance or help. Some may fear that baby becomes too reliant on the sound for them to go asleep and may cause issues down the line as baby will need to be weaned off it, therefore only recommend it to be used for a short period of time.
Remember!
Not all babies will like white noise! Just like the use of a soother or a comforter, it depends on the individual baby. Parents may desperately want to use it, but if baby becomes more upset/cannot calm down when the noise is on, it could mean that its a no from baby!
The FactsIn 1990, a study showed the effects of white noise on young infants. The results stated that 80% of infants fell asleep in their cot within five minutes using the white noise, as opposed to only 25% of infants not using it.
Positive Sleep AssociationAny object or crutch used to help baby go to sleep is known as an association. In order for baby to learn to connect sleep cycles, they need the EXACT same associations in place to support them when they fall asleep, as to when they wake up during naps and night time sleep.White Noise is an independent association- meaning parents are not relied on to stick around when this is being used.If baby has older siblings in the home, white noise can help drown out the background noise and further aid sleep to last longer.
Consistency is Key
If you decide to use White Noise, it is so important to invest in a machine that will play continuous sounds through the baby’s sleep/naps. When a toy/mobile/machine is on a set timer and turns itself off after 20 minutes, baby will then wake, looking for the same association that put them to sleep in the beginning. This, in turn, can cause on/off waking through the entire night.
When to Introduce White Noise, and for How Long?
Any time from birth! Using it from the start helps create a familiar and consistent atmosphere that baby will link to sleep. How long to use it for? Honestly, it depends on each family, baby and circumstance.In an ideal timeframe, it would be used until baby has connected their sleep cycles and have been in a good pattern of sleep. This could be 4 months, it may be 6 months.
How to Stop using White Noise
Weaning off can be as simple as just turning off the machine. Though if you think baby may need a more gentle approach:
- Begin to reduce the sound level on the machine each day.
- Using day naps first, run through the usual routine, just without turning on the machine.
Dangers in using White Noise
Having machine too loud can lead to hearing issues- keep at the equivalent of a dishwasher sound.
Differing Opinions
Each Sleep Consultant and Baby Expert has their own views about if White Noise is more of a hindrance or help. Some may fear that baby becomes too reliant on the sound for them to go asleep and may cause issues down the line as baby will need to be weaned off it, therefore only recommend it to be used for a short period of time.
Remember!
Not all babies will like white noise! Just like the use of a soother or a comforter, it depends on the individual baby. Parents may desperately want to use it, but if baby becomes more upset/cannot calm down when the noise is on, it could mean that its a no from baby!
Write your awesome label here.
Get Claire's Free Sleep Guide
Sign up to get more information and Claire's Starter Sleep Guide.
Empty space, drag to resize
Thank you!
I'm Claire...
I am a mum of 4 & a qualified Post Natal Carer with a degree in Early Childhood Care & Education. I've helped hundreds of families with children of all ages get better sleep, create better routines & learn the best ways to feed their babies as they grow.
Copyright The Newborn Nanny © 2024
Created with
